Lottie's arm wrapped itself around Anne's small shoulder to provide some meagre measure of comfort. Just then, the sound of Kate's voice roused Lottie and she looked up. Her own daughter's reaction forced Lottie to regain some measure of her composure.

"Anne is a little upset about some trouble at home, I was just making her feel better." she explained in a truthful if not slightly vague manner. "But we were having some tea and spotted dick. Would you like some?"